Loyal Max Verstappen chose Red Bull: A costly mistake or not?

In the end, Max Verstappen decided to remain loyal to Red Bull Racing, despite an enticing offer from Mercedes. The Dutchman couldn’t bring himself to leave his team. Looking purely from a sporting point of view, it was probably the wrong decision, as already appears to be the case two Grands Prix into the 2026 season.

Could Verstappen have known what the pecking order in Formula 1 would be at the start of the new regulations? Not entirely, but there was an indication. There’s a lot of talk in the F1 paddock, and there was a general consensus that Mercedes had built a rocket.

In the discussions that Verstappen and his management had with Toto Wolff, it surely also came up how highly Mercedes rated the new car and its power unit, even if they didn’t boast about it publicly.

But Verstappen didn’t leave Red Bull. He couldn’t, because he saw the team as his family. Together they had experienced enormous success, and leaving didn’t feel right. Especially after the dismissal of team boss Christian Horner, who was unpopular with part of Verstappen’s entourage, it wasn’t the moment to say goodbye to Red Bull.

That loyalty is what makes Max Verstappen who he is. This four-time world champion doesn’t run from sporting adversity. He puts his shoulder to the wheel and tries to move forward. It’s a cliché, but Verstappen lives by it.

On the other hand, elite sport is ruthless. Ultimately, it’s about winning Grands Prix and championships. The idea of Max Verstappen having to see an eighth place as the ultimate result for a year or perhaps longer is barely imaginable.

So it’s admirable that the Dutchman stood by Red Bull, but frustrations will bubble up if things don’t go as hoped, especially over a longer period. Then Verstappen isn’t exactly a cheerful colleague, as Red Bull knows from recent history.

Surely Verstappen doesn’t regret staying with Red Bull. Not now. And don’t forget, after moving from the superior Benetton team, Michael Schumacher had to wait for years at Ferrari for the next period of success. By working incredibly hard, it eventually arrived.

Max Verstappen likely has a similar scenario in mind. What will be important for him: he needs to see footholds and some improvement. Otherwise, the Dutchman might start to doubt whether staying at Red Bull was indeed the right choice.